Registration is now open for the 2017 National AMVETS Riders Convention in Norfolk, Virginia. Please visit the Events page for updates, a link to the AMVETS.org registration page with hotel information, and a downloadable registration form.

Meeting was called to order by Don Cox, Riders National President (RNP), on May 6, 2017 at 1330 hours.

Invocation by Jeremiah Botkin, Riders National Chaplain, (RNCHAP). The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Larry Saad, Riders National Sergeant-At-Arms (RNSAA).

Guests: President Don Cox introduced our guests: National Commander Harold Chapman and National Execute Director Joe Chenelly. President Cox had each come to the podium. Commander Chapman thanked us for the invite and thanked us for all we do, he said he was very pleased with the Riders. He said to get on the AMVETS National Facebook page. He also said the Camp Hope trailer was outside and to please support it. President Cox presented him with a Gold Riders Honorary Beret, and made him an honorary rider; he was very pleased and appreciated the beret.

National Executive Director, Joe Chenelly, thanked us for what we do. He stated HQ’s wants to support us. He explained the difference between 501c (3) and c (19) and why we need to file under the 501c (19): The c (19) is for veteran organizations who have members. It’s against the law to hold a c (3) if you have members. The c (3) is for the service foundations. He explained the importance in getting the 990’s filed annually. President Cox also presented him with a Rider’s Honorary Black Beret and made him an honorary rider.

Roll Call and Credentials: Given by Kathy Campbell, Riders National Communications Officer (RNCO).All National Officers were in attendance, excluding Dan MacDonald, Riders National Treasurer who was excused. Rob Quick and Bruce McElhaney, Past National Presidents (PNP) were present.

Recap: 9 National Officers; 2 Past National Presidents (PNP); 6 Departments (FL, IA, KY, MI, MO and OH); 40 Chapter Delegates; 23 Alternates, 48 Non-voting; 103 are in attendance with 96 of those pre-registered. Kathy also expressed the benefit of each Department and each Chapter appointing a Communications Officer and having conference calls between your Department and Chapters.

Convention Rules: Jim Whitcraft, Riders National Judge Advocate (RNJA), called for a motion to adopt the Convention Rules, 2nd and passed. The Convention Rules will be posted on our website.

COMMITEE MEETINGS

1st ViceGeorge Cummings (RN1V): Recommended reinstatement of Awards Program for recruitment, by use of a patch with year and each year thereafter when eligible. Motion was made, 2nd and passed. Told the membership that it is their responsibility to ensure that their dues are paid up if they plan to be a delegate.

2nd Vice: Tom McNamara (RN2V) Money reported in programs was $867,557, 30,000 hours reported and 233 members have been reported since January 2017. Keep up the great work.

Mid-Year Rally Bids: PNP Rob Quick headed up the Mid-Year Rally Committee. The bids submitted to host the 2019 Mid-Year Rally were: GA-10, KY-125, and OH-51. Some of the criteria included, but not limited to, are location, space required and, financially stable. The committee’s recommendation to the membership is OH-51, Thornville, OH. Motion made, 2nd, passed. Congratulations. KY 125 agreed to take it if for some reason OH-51 could not do it. GA-10 plans to put in for mid-year bid for the year 2020.

CBL SOP’s: Jim Whitcraft (RNJA), asked for a motion for an SOP changing the due date for Dues and Remittance Forms and dues checks be submitted to Headquarters by March 15th, with a drop-dead date of April 15th. Motion made, 2nd and passed. He also asked for a motion for an SOP naming what officers will chair which committees. Motion made, 2nd and passed. They will be posted on the website.

Treasurer Report: The credit card used by the National Officers for travel expenses has a “cash back” program. Motion was made to use the awards towards convention goodies and door prizes. Motion was 2nd and passed. Ending balance of accounts at the end of February 2017 was $51,432.56. Motion was made to authorize the Riders National President a rental car during Mid-Year Rally. Motion was 2nd and passed.